Radio access point testing method and testing apparatus

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

0001The present invention relates to a radio access point testing method and testing apparatus, and more particularly to a radio access point testing method and testing apparatus which permit the radio characteristics test of a radio access point apparatus in a mobile communication system by remote manipulation from an operation center.

0002Nowadays, mobile communication terminals have become smaller in size and lower in price with the miniaturizations of components, and the number of the users of the mobile communication terminals, such as portable telephones and personal handy system (PHS) telephones, have increased explosively. With the increase in the number of the users, enhancement in convenience has been more required of each system, and the enlargement of a service area and the rise of a data transmission rate have been furthered. The stability of the system is one of important factors for the convenience of the users. For the purpose of stably operating the system, it is important to prevent the occurrence of any failure leading to system shutdown, and simultaneously to quickly detect any failure having occurred and resume system operations.

0003The mobile communication system has a large service area divided into a large number of small areas called “cells”, and includes radio access point apparatuses arranged in the respective cells. The radio access point apparatuses are connected to a network, and a user access terminal communicates through a radio channel with the radio access point apparatus of the cell to which the access terminal belongs, whereby it is permitted to communicate with another access terminal connected to the network.

0004Regarding failure detection means for the system, the failure of especially the radio interface portion of the radio access point apparatus is difficult of detection because of the uncertain interface of the very radio channel. By way of example, in a case where the antenna of the radio access point apparatus has damaged, it is difficult to immediately judge the damage as the failure of the radio access point apparatus, even at the cutoff of the communication with the user access terminal. On this occasion, such various causes are considered that the particular user will not actually exist in the cell, and that an interference wave will exist in a radio zone connected with the user access terminal, to make the communication impossible.

0005Means for detecting, for example, an antenna failure is disclosed as a first prior-art example for detecting the failure of the radio access point apparatus (refer to, for example, Patent Document 1: JP-A-5-14291). The antenna failure detector disclosed in Patent Document 1. is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>. Referring to the figure, the output signal of the power amplifier <b>1</b> of a transmitter is passed through a directional coupler <b>2</b> as well as a circulator <b>3</b> and is transmitted from an antenna <b>4</b>. Part of the output signal of the power amplifier <b>1</b> is inputted from the coupling node of the directional coupler <b>2</b> to a first detector <b>5</b>, thereby to be converted into a detection voltage. A second detector <b>6</b> is connected to the node of the circulator <b>3</b> other than the nodes thereof connected to the constituents <b>2</b> and <b>4</b>, and it converts reflection power from the antenna <b>4</b> into a detection voltage. The detection voltages outputted from the respective detectors are converted into a differential voltage by a subtractor <b>7</b>, and the differential voltage is inputted to a comparator <b>8</b> so as to be compared with a reference voltage. The prior-art example is means for giving an alarm with the reference voltage of the comparator <b>8</b> as a threshold voltage, thereby to permit the failure detection of the antenna <b>4</b>. More specifically, in a case where the antenna <b>4</b> has damaged, a voltage surface wave ratio (VSWR) degrades to increase the reflection power from the antenna <b>4</b>, and hence, the difference between the detection voltages of the detectors <b>5</b> and <b>6</b> changes. When the relationship between the magnitudes of the detection voltage difference and the reference voltage being the threshold voltage has been inverted, the output of the comparator <b>8</b> changes, and the failure of the antenna <b>4</b> can be detected. Recently, a product in which the same functions as in the above are modularized is available, and the antenna failure detection is possible.

0006With the first prior-art example explained above, the antenna failure can be detected, but receiver defects cannot be detected. Another problem is that, in case of a reception-only antenna or the like, an antenna failure cannot be detected.

0007A testing method and apparatus are disclosed as a second prior-art example for permitting tests which cover even the normalities of an access point apparatus and a network. Herein, the access point apparatus and the network are tested in such a way that test information, which is transmitted by a radio channel through the network and an access point from an operation center connected to the network including the radio access point apparatus, is received by the testing apparatus (mobile access terminal) (refer to, for example, Patent Document 2: JP-A-2000-332674 and Patent Document 3: JP-A-2002-271280).

0008The testing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 2 is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>. Referring to the figure, a maintenance engineer in an operation center dials from a fixed telephone set <b>20</b> the telephone number of a portable telephone <b>19</b> which is connected with an access-point radio apparatus <b>17</b> to-be-tested. A call reception sequence is executed between the access-point radio apparatus <b>17</b> and the portable telephone <b>19</b>, whereby the line of the fixed telephone set <b>20</b> is connected with the portable telephone <b>19</b> having an automatic offhook function. The portable telephone <b>19</b> plays back a stored vocal message after automatic offhook, and the maintenance engineer listens to the vocal message at the handset of the fixed telephone set <b>20</b>. After the maintenance engineer has listened to the played-back message, he/she transmits voice from the fixed telephone set <b>20</b>, and the portable telephone <b>19</b> records the voice. Besides, the maintenance engineer transmits a predetermined PB signal from the fixed telephone set <b>9</b>. Upon receiving the PB signal, the portable telephone <b>19</b> plays back and transmits the recorded voice, to which the maintenance engineer can listen at the fixed telephone set <b>20</b>.

0009If the access-point radio apparatus <b>17</b> is normal, both the vocal message stored in the portable telephone <b>19</b> and the maintenance engineer's voice recorded and played back by the portable telephone <b>19</b> can be heard. However, in a case where a radio reverse link has any abnormality, the maintenance engineer cannot hear the recorded voice. Also, in a case where a radio forward link has any abnormality, he/she cannot hear the vocal message. The prior-art example permits the normality test for the access-point radio apparatus in the above way. Besides, Patent Document 3 contains a testing method similar to that of Patent Document 2 as is expanded to a normality verifying method for a packet-data call processing function.

0010With the second prior-art example explained above, the normality of the access-point radio apparatus can be verified, but an antenna failure cannot be detected. Another problem is that the verifiable normality is merely the propriety of communication, and that a radio characteristics change, such as the degradation of a reception performance attendant upon a failure of slight degree, cannot be quantitatively decided.

0011A third prior-art example for quantitatively deciding radio characteristics is a technique wherein any abnormal part in a receiver within a radio access point apparatus is judged from electric power (refer to, for example, Patent Document 4: JP-A-11-154903). Patent Document 4, however, contains nothing about a normality test for communication and discloses an abnormality detecting method for the receiver.

0012As stated above, it is an actual situation that a decisive comprehensive testing method which covers the antenna failure detection to the access-point radio performance test, and a decisive testing apparatus which serves to realize them, have not been available as the testing method for the radio access point apparatus and the failure detection means.

0013When the radius of each individual cell is set at about 2 km, the mobile communication system requires about 10,000 access point apparatuses in order to offer a communication service over, for example, the whole of Japan. The bestowal of redundant setups on all the access point apparatuses increases a system constructing cost, and drastically spoils economy. Nevertheless, when the service is interrupted by any failure, a service quality lowers for users, and also a business company offering the service suffers the drawback of being incapable of accounting, so that the service interruption ascribable to the occurrence of the failure must be avoided to the utmost. Accordingly, inexpensive means adapted for the preventive maintenance of the system against failures is eagerly requested. Since, however, the interface between user access terminals and a radio access point is a radio channel in the mobile communication system, a communication quality changes depending upon an environment which surrounds a mobile access point or a fixed access point, and it is very difficult to decide whether an inferior communication quality is ascribable to the apparatus failure or the surrounding environment.

0014Now, the reasons why the failure detection of the radio access point apparatus is difficult will be concretely explained by taking as an example a case where an access point which steadily has a small number of connected access terminals is existent.

0015The phenomenon that the number of connected access terminals is steadily small, can sufficiently take place even when the radio access point apparatus is normal. It arises in a case, for example, where the radio access point of another system exists in the neighborhood of the radio access point apparatus. When an interference wave from the radio access point of the other system is inputted, it becomes difficult to detect a reception signal from the mobile access terminal of the pertinent system. This situation is equivalent to the reduction of the area of forward links, and the number of connectable access terminals decreases.

0016On the other hand, the phenomenon is considered to be ascribable to the failure of the radio access point apparatus. Examples of the failure of the radio access point apparatus will be enumerated below.

0017The first failure example is an antenna failure. It is considered that signal power from the access point as is received by access terminals, and signal power from the access terminals as is received by the access point will have lowered drastically, resulting in the reduction of a communicable area and the decrease of the number of connected access terminals.

0018The second failure example is a receiver failure. By way of example, when one receiver has undergone the failure in an access terminal which implements diversity reception by installing a plurality of receivers, a reception performance degrades. It is accordingly considered that the area of forward links has been reduced to decrease the number of connected access terminals.

0019The third failure example is a transmitter failure. It is considered that the signal quality of reverse links will have degraded due to the transmitter failure of the access point, and that access terminals will communicate with the neighboring access point of good signal quality, resulting in the decrease of the number of connected access terminals.

0020In this manner, in the mobile communication system, the same phenomena as in the failure occurrences (for example, the small number of connected access terminals) may highly possibly be observed in spite of the normal operation of the system itself, and various causes are considered for the failures, so that the failure detection is very difficult.

0021When it is intended to detect the above failure examples by the prior-art failure detection means, problems as stated below are involved.

0022With the technique which is contained in Patent Document 1 cited as the first prior-art example, the first failure example is detectable, but the cases caused by the other failure examples are undetectable. Besides, it is the propriety of communication that can be verified in the technique which is contained in Patent Documents 2 and 3 cited as the second prior-art example. Accordingly, this technique cannot detect the case of a failure which permits the communication, but which degrades the radio quality, as in the above failure example. Further, the technique which is contained in Patent Document 4 cited as the third prior-art example cannot detect the first failure example and the third failure example. Moreover, since only the decision based on the power is rendered, even the receiver failure being the second failure example cannot be detected in the case of, for example, a reception quality degradation ascribable to a phase characteristics degradation.

0023As thus far explained, it is the actual situation that comprehensive techniques are not available as the failure detection means and testing method for the radio access point apparatus. For the purpose of correctly estimating failure contents, it is desired to comprehensively test various failures supposed. However, the interruption of the service for the test is the lowering of serviceability as viewed from the users and must be avoided to the utmost. Besides, in the mobile communication system, especially in a portable telephone system of CDMA format wherein communication is held by finely controlling the transmission power of each mobile access terminal, the characteristics degradation of the radio access point incurs increase in the transmission power of the mobile access terminal and leads to the lowering of serviceability as shortens a communicable time period. It is accordingly important for the stable operation of the system and the enhancement of serviceability to monitor, not only the propriety of communication, but also the radio characteristics degradation. In view of these points, means is eagerly requested for testing radio characteristics on-line without interrupting the offered communication service.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

0024In view of the above circumstances, the present invention has for its object to realize a radio access point testing method and apparatus which permit the normality verification and radio characteristics test of a radio communication system even during the operation of the system. Another object of the invention is to provide a radio access point testing method and apparatus which can comprehensively test various failures. Still another object of the invention is to execute a test without interrupting an offered communication service. A further object of the invention is to provide a method and an apparatus which can execute a test in a desired access point and sector on-line.

0025In order to accomplish the objects, with note taken of the “3GPP2 (C. S0032)” standard by way of example, the invention has configured a system which includes a radio communication apparatus and a radio communication network, and it has provided a testing method which can execute the normality verification and radio characteristics test of the system on-line. Concretely, a test function unit which has the communication function of a radio access terminal (including a mobile access terminal function) is arranged in a radio access point apparatus, and a main signal processing unit and the test function unit are connected using directional couplers which are respectively connected to antenna connection parts, so as to be couplable in desired directions. With note taken of the fact that an access point controls access terminal transmission power finely in a communication system of CDMA format, an antenna failure is detected from the difference between access-terminal transmission power values at the changeover of the coupling directions of test signals. Besides, the test function unit is endowed with a function capable of separating a forward link signal and a reverse link signal and setting attenuation values individually, and communication qualities are respectively estimated while the attenuation values are being changed, thereby to detect the transmitter failure and receiver failure of the main signal function unit. It is permitted to detect the failures of the radio access point without interrupting a communication service, by executing the series of tests on-line.

0026According to the first resolution means of the invention, there is provided a radio access point testing apparatus, comprising: <ul id="ul0001" list-style="none"><li id="ul0001-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0002" list-style="none"><li id="ul0002-0001" num="0027">an access terminal function portion which has a communication function of a communication access terminal in a radio communication system, and which operates for testing a radio access point;</li><li id="ul0002-0002" num="0028">radio analog portions of respective sectors, each of which is connected with the access terminal function portion and with an antenna of one loop or antennas of two loops for transmitting a signal to and receiving a signal from the communication access terminal by radio; <ul id="ul0003" list-style="none"><li id="ul0003-0001" num="0029">each of the radio analog portions including:</li><li id="ul0003-0002" num="0030">a radio reception part of one loop or radio reception parts of two loops which receives/receive forward link signals transmitted from the access terminal function portion and the communication access terminal;</li><li id="ul0003-0003" num="0031">a radio transmission part which transmits reverse link signals that are transmitted to the access terminal function portion and the communication access terminal;</li><li id="ul0003-0004" num="0032">a first switch which changes-over paths of the signals that are transmitted to and received from the access terminal function portion, between paths passing through the antenna and paths not passing through the antenna; and</li><li id="ul0003-0005" num="0033">a directional coupler which connects the antenna, the first switch, the radio transmission part and/or the radio reception part to one another;</li></ul></li><li id="ul0002-0003" num="0034">a signal processing portion which modulates and demodulates the signals;</li><li id="ul0002-0004" num="0035">a second switch which connects the access terminal function portion, the radio analog portion of a desired one of the sectors and/or a desired one of the loops;</li><li id="ul0002-0005" num="0036">a test function controller which changes-over the second switch in accordance with identification information of the sector and/or loop to-be-tested, and which changes-over the first switch at a predetermined timing in a case where test sort information indicates an antenna failure test; and</li><li id="ul0002-0006" num="0037">an access point controller which receives a test start instruction containing the test sort information, and which controls in accordance with the test sort information, at least one of (1) the antenna failure test in which a voltage surface wave ratio is evaluated on the basis of transmission power values of the access terminal function portion before and after the changeover of the first switch, (2) a receiver failure test in which a packet error rate is adjusted into a predetermined range, and a reception sensitivity is evaluated on the basis of the transmission power of the access terminal function portion after the adjustment, and (3) a transmitter failure test in which transmission power from the radio analog portion is evaluated on the basis of a reception power value of the access terminal function portion.</li></ul></li></ul>

0038According to the second resolution means of the invention, there is provided a radio access point testing method which employs an access terminal function portion for testing an access point; radio analog portions of respective sectors, each including a first switch for changing-over paths of signals that are transmitted to and received from the access terminal function portion, between paths passing through an antenna and paths not passing through the antenna, and each being connected with the access terminal function portion; a second switch for connecting the access terminal function portion with a desired one of the radio analog portions; a test function controller for changing-over the first switch and the second switch; and an access point controller for controlling at least one test; comprising the steps of: <ul id="ul0004" list-style="none"><li id="ul0004-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0005" list-style="none"><li id="ul0005-0001" num="0039">allowing the access point controller to receive a test start instruction which contains test sort information, and identification information of the sector and/or a loop to-be-tested;</li><li id="ul0005-0002" num="0040">allowing the access point controller to transmit to the test function controller a switch changeover instruction which contains the sector identification information and/or loop identification information;</li><li id="ul0005-0003" num="0041">allowing the test function controller to receive the switch changeover instruction, and to change-over the second switch so that the sector and/or loop corresponding to the identification information may be connected with the access terminal function portion, in accordance with the identification information of the sector and/or loop to-be-tested; and</li><li id="ul0005-0004" num="0042">allowing the access point controller to control in accordance with the test sort information, at least one of (1) an antenna failure test in which a voltage surface wave ratio is evaluated on the basis of transmission power values of the access terminal function portion before and after the changeover of the first switch, (2) a receiver failure test in which a packet error rate is adjusted into a predetermined range, and a reception sensitivity is evaluated on the basis of transmission power of the access terminal function portion after the adjustment, and (3) a transmitter failure test in which transmission power from the radio analog portion is evaluated on the basis of a reception power value of the access terminal function portion.</li></ul></li></ul>

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0043<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a system configurational diagram of a radio access point testing system in a “1xEV-DO” system;

0044<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a block diagram showing the configuration of an access point <b>100</b>;

0045<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is an explanatory diagram of a sequence in the case of detecting an antenna failure;

0046<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is an explanatory diagram (1) of the paths of radio signals in the case of detecting an antenna failure as to the loop-<b>0</b> antenna of a sector-<b>1</b>;

0047<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is an explanatory diagram (2) of the paths of radio signals in the case of detecting an antenna failure as to the loop-<b>0</b> antenna of the sector-<b>1</b>;

0048<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is an explanatory diagram (1) of the paths of radio signals in the case of detecting an antenna failure as to the loop-<b>1</b> antenna of the sector-<b>1</b>;

0049<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is an explanatory diagram (2) of the paths of radio signals in the case of detecting an antenna failure as to the loop-<b>1</b> antenna of the sector-<b>1</b>;

0050<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is an explanatory diagram of a sequence in the case of executing a receiver failure detecting test;

0051<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is an explanatory diagram of signal paths in the case of executing a receiver failure detecting test as to the radio reception part-<b>0</b> of the sector-<b>1</b>;

0052<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is an explanatory diagram of signal paths in the case of executing a receiver failure detecting test as to the radio reception part-<b>1</b> of the sector-<b>1</b>;

0053<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is an explanatory diagram of a sequence in the case of executing a transmitter failure detecting test;

0054<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> is an explanatory diagram of a signal path in the case of executing a transmitter failure detecting test as to the radio transmission part of the sector-<b>1</b>;

0055<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> is an explanatory diagram of a prior-art example of an antenna failure detector; and

0056<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> is an explanatory diagram of a prior-art example of a testing apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

0057Now, the configurations of a radio communication apparatus and a radio communication network according to the present invention, and methods of operating them will be described in detail with reference to the drawings by taking a “1xEV-DO (1x Evolution Data Only)” system as an example.

0058<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a configurational diagram of a radio access point testing system in a “1xEV-DO” system. The radio access point testing system includes an access point (radio access point testing apparatus) <b>100</b>, an IP-SW (IP switch) <b>101</b>, a PCF-SC (Packet Control Function-Session Control, radio packet control apparatus) <b>102</b>, an AN-AAA (Access Network-Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting) <b>103</b>, an OMC (Operation and Maintenance Center, maintenance apparatus) <b>106</b>, a test server <b>107</b>, and ISP (Internet Service Provider) servers <b>108</b>.

0059The access point <b>100</b> has a main signal processing unit <b>120</b>, and a test function unit <b>121</b> including an access terminal function portion <b>122</b>. This access point <b>100</b> communicates with, for example, access terminals <b>110</b>, <b>111</b> and <b>112</b> by using a main signal path <b>140</b>. A circle which surrounds the access point <b>100</b>, visualizes the outline of an area in which radio waves are transmitted from the access point <b>100</b>. Besides, the IP-SW <b>101</b> is connected to the access point <b>100</b>, etc., and it performs the switching of packets, etc.

0060The PCF-SC <b>102</b> being the radio packet control apparatus has such functions as the management of session information, the authentication of access terminals, and the control and termination of radio packets. The AN-AAA <b>103</b> is a server for authenticating access terminals, and it has such functions as the registration and management of user information. The OMC <b>106</b> is a maintenance terminal equipment, and it has the functions of monitoring and controlling the access point <b>100</b> and the PCF-SC <b>102</b>. This OMC <b>106</b> is communicable with the access point <b>100</b> through, for example, an OMC-NW (OMC network) and the IP-SW <b>101</b>.

0061The test server <b>107</b> is a server for tests. By way of example, the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> can be connected to an IP-NW (IP network) <b>104</b> by a calling connection process, so as to communicate with the test server <b>107</b> in executing a test. Each of the ISP servers <b>108</b> executes, for example, a user authentication process.

0062The main signal processing unit <b>120</b> is mounted in the access point <b>100</b>, and it is capable of processing the signals of at most three sectors, for example, sector-<b>1</b> (<b>130</b>), sector-<b>2</b> (<b>131</b>) and sector-<b>3</b> (<b>132</b>). Which of the sectors the access point <b>100</b> uses in the communication of this access point <b>100</b> with the access terminal, depends upon the states of radio waves which the access terminals are receiving. Usually, however, places <b>133</b>, <b>134</b> and <b>135</b> where the access terminals receive the radio waves of the plurality of sectors are existent as shown in the figure. Besides, in some cases, the access terminals move out of the sectors, or the power sources thereof are turned OFF. It is accordingly very difficult to discriminate if the respective sectors are normally functioning, from operating states.

0063In this embodiment, in order to solve such a problem, the test function unit <b>121</b> is mounted in the access point <b>100</b>, and further, the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> is built in the test function unit <b>121</b>. Thus, the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> and the access point <b>100</b> are permitted to communicate in states simulating all environments, by using an access-point testing signal path <b>141</b>. The example of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> illustrates that the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> located in the access point <b>100</b> communicates with this access point <b>100</b> as if it were existent in the sector-<b>1</b>. When the communication has undergone any failure here, it can be discriminated that the sector-<b>1</b> is faulty. That is, it is permitted to reliably verify the normality of the sector.

0064Incidentally, since this embodiment utilizes an interface in the case of performing ordinary calling connection, it can specify a failing part without employing any special apparatus for transmitting signaling.

0065<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a block diagram showing a configurational example of the access point <b>100</b>.

0066The access point <b>100</b> includes, for example, the main signal processing unit <b>120</b> which has antennas <b>201</b> and <b>202</b>, radio analog portions <b>210</b>-<b>212</b> corresponding to the sectors, a digital signal processing portion <b>213</b>, a line interface <b>214</b>, a calling-connection processing portion <b>215</b> and an access point controller <b>216</b>, and the test function unit <b>121</b> which has a test function controller <b>217</b>, the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> and RF-SWs (radio-frequency coaxial switches) <b>222</b>-<b>224</b>. Besides, the test function unit <b>121</b> may well further include, for example, duplexers <b>240</b> and <b>243</b>, a forward link attenuator <b>241</b>, and a reverse link attenuator <b>242</b>.

0067The radio analog portion (sector-<b>1</b>) <b>210</b> is a unit which has the function of processing a radio signal, and it has, for example, directional couplers <b>227</b> and <b>228</b>, RF-SWs <b>220</b> and <b>221</b>, a filter <b>230</b>, a duplexer <b>231</b>, radio reception parts <b>232</b> and <b>233</b>, and a radio transmission part <b>234</b>. Incidentally, the access point <b>100</b> can be constructed as a diversity configuration. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> by way of example, the diversity configuration can have the antenna <b>201</b> and radio reception part-<b>0</b> (<b>233</b>) of loop-<b>0</b>, and the antenna <b>202</b> and radio reception part-<b>1</b> (<b>232</b>) of loop-<b>1</b>. Alternatively, it is also allowed to employ a system in which an antenna and a radio reception part are of single loop.

0068The loop-<b>0</b> antenna <b>201</b> is a forward-link signal reception antenna. Besides, the loop-<b>1</b> antenna <b>202</b> is a forward-link signal reception and reverse-link signal transmission antenna. The directional coupler <b>227</b> connects, for example, the antenna <b>202</b>, RF-SW <b>220</b>, and radio reception part-<b>1</b> (<b>232</b>) to one another. Likewise, the directional coupler <b>228</b> connects, for example, the antenna <b>201</b>, RF-SW <b>221</b>, and radio transmission part <b>234</b> and/or radio reception part-<b>0</b> (<b>233</b>) to one another.

0069The RF-SWs (first switches) <b>220</b> and <b>221</b> are switches which change-over the paths of radio signals. Byway of example, the RF-SWs <b>220</b> and <b>221</b> change-over whether the paths of signals to be transmitted to and received from the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> are paths which pass through the antennas, or paths which do not pass through the antennas.

0070The filter <b>230</b> is a filter which stops unnecessary signals in signals received by the antenna <b>202</b>. Although the loop-<b>0</b> antenna <b>201</b> simultaneously performs forward-link signal reception and reverse-link signal transmission, the duplexer <b>231</b> has the function of separating a forward-link signal and a reverse-link signal so that only the forward-link signal may be inputted to the radio reception part-<b>0</b>. Incidentally, the forward-link signal reception and the reverse-link signal transmission can be separately performed, but another antenna needs to be added, and the configuration shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is desirable from the aspect of, for example, cost. Besides, the duplexer <b>231</b> has the filter function of stopping unnecessary signals so that unnecessary signals may not be transmitted from the radio transmission part <b>234</b>.

0071The radio reception parts <b>232</b> and <b>233</b> convert forward link signals transmitted from the access terminals (general mobile access terminals and access terminal function portion <b>122</b>), from analog signals into digital signals, and they send the digital signals to the digital signal processing portion <b>213</b>. The radio transmission part <b>234</b> converts a reverse link signal sent from the digital signal processing portion <b>213</b>, from a digital signal into an analog signal, and it transmits the analog signal to the access terminal.

0072Each of the radio analog portion <b>211</b> of the sector-<b>2</b> and the radio analog portion <b>212</b> of the sector-<b>3</b> is the same as the above radio analog portion <b>210</b> of the sector-<b>1</b>, and shall be omitted from description.

0073The digital signal processing portion <b>213</b> is a unit which demodulates the forward link signal and modulates the reverse link signal. The line interface portion <b>214</b> is an interface for connecting the calling-connection processing portion <b>215</b> and the access point controller <b>216</b> with the external IP-SW <b>101</b>. The calling-connection processing portion <b>215</b> is connected with the individual radio analog portions through the digital signal processing portion <b>213</b>, and it chiefly executes calling connection processes.

0074The access point controller <b>216</b> controls the whole access point. Besides, the access point controller <b>216</b> receives a test start instruction containing test sort information, from the OMC <b>106</b>, and it controls the execution of a test complying with the test sort information. Such tests can cover, for example, the following tests:

0075(1) Antenna failure test in which a voltage surface wave ratio is evaluated on the basis of the transmission power of the access terminal function portion <b>122</b>, so as to detect any antenna failure including the failure of the antenna <b>201</b> or <b>202</b>.

0076(2) Receiver failure test in which a packet error rate is adjusted into a predetermined range, and a reception sensitivity is evaluated on the basis of the transmission power of the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> on that occasion, so as to detect any receiver failure including the failure of the radio reception part <b>232</b> or <b>233</b>.

0077(3) Transmitter failure test in which the transmission power values of the radio analog portions <b>210</b>-<b>212</b> are evaluated on the basis of the reception power value of the access terminal function portion <b>122</b>, so as to detect any transmitter failure including the failure of the radio transmission part <b>234</b>.

0078By the way, the details of the respective tests will be explained later.

0079The test function controller <b>217</b> operates, for example, to change-over the RF-SWs <b>222</b>-<b>224</b> in accordance with the identification information of the sector and/or loop to-be-tested as is designated by the OMC <b>106</b>, and to change-over the RF-SWs <b>220</b> and <b>221</b> at a predetermined timing in a case where the test sort information designated by the OMC <b>106</b> indicates the antenna failure test.

0080The access terminal function portion <b>122</b> is a testing access terminal which is mounted in the access point <b>100</b>. This access terminal function portion <b>122</b> has the same functions (for example, a communication function) as those of the ordinary radio mobile access terminal (radio access terminal) which communicates through the antennas. By way of example, the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> communicates with the radio analog portion <b>210</b> through paths <b>250</b> and <b>260</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> as will be referred to later. The calling-connection processing portion <b>215</b> of the main signal processing unit <b>120</b> executes call processing in the same way as in the ordinary access terminal, and it establishes the call of, for example, the test server <b>107</b> with the access terminal function portion <b>122</b>.

0081The RF-SWs (second switches) <b>222</b> and <b>223</b> are switches which selectively change-over the radio analog portions <b>210</b>-<b>212</b> of the respective sectors that are to be connected with the access terminal function portion <b>122</b>. Besides, the RF-SW <b>224</b> changes-over the loop in each sector, to the loop-<b>0</b> or the loop-<b>1</b>. Incidentally, the access point <b>100</b> usually subjects each access terminal to a power control so as to transmit the minimum power required for keeping calling connection, to the access terminal. Also the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> in this embodiment is similarly subjected to the power control. The duplexer <b>243</b> has the same functions as those of the above duplexer <b>231</b>.

0082The forward link attenuator <b>241</b> is an attenuator which attenuates the power of a forward link signal. Besides, the reverse link attenuator <b>242</b> is an attenuator which attenuates the power of a reverse link signal. By way of example, the test function controller <b>217</b> adjusts the power attenuation values of the forward link attenuator <b>241</b> and reverse link attenuator <b>242</b>, thereby to simulate the environment of the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> into a desired radio-wave environment. By way of example, the test function controller <b>217</b> receives a data rate from the OMC <b>106</b> and regulates the attenuation value of the attenuator so that a difference obtained by subtracting the attenuation value from the transmission power of the access point <b>100</b> may fall within the range of power corresponding to the received data rate, on the basis of the relationship between prescribed data rates and reception power values. Incidentally, the relationship between the data rates and the reception power values is prescribed by the “3GPP2” standard, and these data items can be stored in, for example, the memory of the test function controller <b>217</b> beforehand.

0000(Antenna Failure Detecting Test)

0083<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is an explanatory diagram of a sequence in the case of detecting any antenna failure. Besides, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4 and 5</figref> are explanatory diagrams (<b>1</b>) and (<b>2</b>) of the paths of radio signals in the case of detecting an antenna failure as to the loop-<b>0</b> antenna <b>201</b> of the sector-<b>1</b>, respectively. Now, the operation of the antenna failure test will be described with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3</figref>, <b>4</b> and <b>5</b>. By the way, in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> and the ensuing description, signals Ack replying to requests shall be omitted because they are ordinarily existent.

0084The test is started, for example, in such a way that the instruction of executing the antenna failure test (VSWR test) is inputted from a maintenance operator to the OMC <b>106</b>. The instruction of executing the VSWR test contains, for example, the designation of an access point to-be-tested, and the designation of an antenna to-be-tested (in which a sector and a loop, for example, are designated).

0085At a step <b>600</b>, the OMC <b>106</b> notifies a test start instruction which contains a test sort (here, the VSWR failure test) and the identification information of the designated antenna (for example, the identification information items of the sector and the loop), to the access point controller <b>216</b> of the designated access point <b>100</b>. Incidentally, it is also allowed to omit the designation of the antenna to-be-tested and to successively execute tests for all antennas or predetermined antennas included in the access point <b>100</b>.

0086At a step <b>601</b>, the access point controller <b>216</b> having received the test start instruction whose test sort indicates the VSWR test instructs the test function controller <b>217</b> to set the RF-SWs <b>220</b>-<b>224</b> (RF-SW setting instruction). Incidentally, the maintenance operator can designate the antenna (sector and loop) to-be-tested, and the access point controller <b>216</b> instructs the test function controller <b>217</b> to set the RF-SWs in correspondence with the designated antenna. By way of example, information items which indicate how to set the respective RF-SWs in correspondence with the identification information items of the sectors and loops, as to the individual antennas, are stored in the memory of the access point controller <b>216</b>, or the like beforehand, and the access point controller <b>216</b> can give the instruction of the settings of the respective RF-SWs corresponding to the designated antenna, with reference to the memory or the like.

0087Subsequently, at a step <b>602</b>, the test function controller <b>217</b> sets the RF-SWs <b>220</b>-<b>224</b> in compliance with the RF-SW setting instruction. In a case, for example, where the loop-<b>0</b> antenna <b>201</b> of the sector-<b>1</b> is to be tested, the RF-SWs <b>224</b>, <b>223</b> and <b>221</b> are set as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>. Owing to such settings of the RF-SWs, packets of forward-link direction from the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> are permitted to be received through the path <b>260</b> in the figure, while packets of reverse-link direction are permitted to be transmitted through the path <b>250</b> in the figure. Besides, the test function controller <b>217</b> sets the RF-SW <b>221</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>. Owing to such a setting, the path <b>260</b> of signals which are transmitted to and received from the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> are prevented from passing through the antenna <b>201</b>.

0088At a step <b>605</b>, the access point controller <b>216</b> instructs the test function controller <b>217</b> to set the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> and to start calling connection (calling-connection start instruction). At a step <b>606</b>, the test function controller <b>217</b> having accepted the calling-connection start instruction turns ON the power source of the access terminal function portion <b>122</b>.

0089At a step <b>607</b>, the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> whose power source has been turned ON dials up, for example, the test server <b>107</b> and establishes a calling connection state in accordance with a predetermined setting. Incidentally, connection destination information items such as the dial number of the test server <b>107</b> are stored in the memory within the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> beforehand. On this occasion, the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> communicates with the radio analog portion <b>210</b> through the paths <b>250</b> and <b>260</b>. The calling-connection processing portion <b>215</b> of the main signal processing unit <b>120</b> executes call processing in the same way as in the case of the ordinary access terminal, and it establishes the call between the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> and the test server <b>107</b>. Incidentally, the access point <b>100</b> usually subjects each access terminal to the power control so as to transmit the minimum power required for keeping calling connection, to the access terminal. Also the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> in this embodiment is similarly subjected to the power control.

0090At a step <b>608</b>, the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> notifies the access point controller <b>216</b> that the call has been connected. In this embodiment, the notification of the state alteration by the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> as in, for example, this sequence is expressed as “TAT (Test Access Terminal)-State alteration notification”. The “TAT-State alteration notification” contains information which indicates, for example, the state of the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> or the change of the state. Incidentally, the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> and the access point controller <b>216</b> are capable of transmitting and receiving data therebetween through, for example, the test function controller <b>217</b>.

0091Subsequently, at a step <b>610</b>, the access point controller <b>216</b> instructs the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> to start packet transmission (packet-transmission start instruction). At a step <b>611</b>, the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> having accepted the packet-transmission start instruction executes, for example, ping and starts the packet transmission to the test server <b>107</b>. Incidentally, an appropriate command or application for transmitting Packets can be executed other than the ping. The packets transmitted from the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> are transmitted to the test server <b>107</b> through the path <b>260</b>, radio reception part-<b>0</b> (<b>233</b>), line interface <b>214</b>, etc. shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>. By the way, the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> continues the packet transmission until a packet-transmission stop instruction is received. At a step <b>612</b>, the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> sends the access point controller <b>216</b> “TAT-State alteration notification” which contains information indicating the start of the packet transmission.

0092Subsequently, at a step <b>615</b>, the access point controller <b>216</b> requests the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> to report the transmission power of this access terminal function portion <b>122</b> (transmission-power report request). At a step <b>616</b>, the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> reports its transmission power to the access point controller <b>216</b> in response to the transmission-power report request. By way of example, the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> reports the average value of transmission power values for a predetermined time period before or after the acceptance of the transmission-power report request. Alternatively, the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> may well report the instantaneous value of the transmission power at the acceptance of the transmission-power report request. At a step <b>617</b>, the access point controller <b>216</b> stores the reported transmission power value P<b>1</b> in the memory.

0093Subsequently, at a step <b>620</b>, the access point controller <b>216</b> instructs the test function controller <b>217</b> to change-over the RF-SW <b>220</b> or <b>221</b>. In the example shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, the access point controller <b>216</b> gives the instruction of changing-over the RF-SW <b>221</b> which corresponds to the antenna to-be-tested in the radio analog portion. At a step <b>621</b>, the test function controller <b>217</b> sets the RF-SW <b>220</b> or <b>221</b> in compliance with the instruction at the step <b>620</b>. By way of example, the test function controller <b>217</b> changes-over the RF-SW <b>221</b> so that, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, packets to be transmitted to and received from the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> may pass through the antenna. When the RF-SW <b>221</b> has been changed-over, the packets of forward-link direction from the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> are permitted to be received through a path <b>261</b> including the antenna <b>201</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, while the packets of reverse-link direction are permitted to be transmitted through a path <b>251</b> in the figure.

0094The access terminal function portion <b>122</b> is subjected to the power control likewise to the ordinary access terminal. In this regard, the transmission power of the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> increases in correspondence with the transmission coefficient of the antenna, owing to the changeover of the RF-SW <b>221</b> as stated above. The VSWR (voltage surface wave ratio) of the antenna is computed from the difference of the transmission power values, and the detection of the antenna failure is permitted. Incidentally, the line is sometimes disconnected for a moment during the changeover of the RF-SW <b>221</b>, but the moment is a slight time period, and hence, the call is not disconnected due to the line disconnection.

0095At a step <b>622</b>, the access point controller <b>216</b> requests the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> to report the transmission power of this access terminal function portion <b>122</b> (transmission-power report request). At a step <b>623</b>, the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> reports its transmission power after the RF-SW changeover, to the access point controller <b>216</b> in response to the transmission-power report request <b>622</b>. At a step <b>624</b>, the access point controller <b>216</b> stores the reported transmission power value P<b>2</b> in the memory.

0096At a step <b>625</b>, the access point controller <b>216</b> reads out of the memory the transmission power values P<b>1</b> and P<b>2</b> which have been stored at the respective steps <b>617</b> and <b>624</b>, and it calculates the VSWR in conformity with the following equation: <br /><i>VSWR</i>=(<i>P</i>2+<i>P</i>1)/(<i>P</i>2−<i>P</i>1)<br /> Here, P<b>1</b>: the transmission power value of the access terminal function portion in the case where the paths of the signals which are transmitted to and received from this access terminal function portion do not pass through the antenna, and P<b>2</b>: the transmission power value of the access terminal function portion in the case where the paths of the signals which are transmitted to and received from this access terminal function portion pass through the antenna.

0097Besides, the access point controller <b>216</b> stores the calculated VSWR in the memory. Incidentally, the access point controller <b>216</b> can also judge whether or not the antenna failure has occurred, depending upon the VSWR, for example, upon whether or not it is larger than a predetermined threshold value, or upon whether it falls within or out of a predetermined range. The result of the judgment may be stored in the memory.

0098Here, in a case where another antenna is to be further tested, the sequence can be returned to the step <b>601</b> so as to execute the processes of the steps <b>601</b>-<b>625</b>. Incidentally, at the step <b>601</b>, by way of example, the access point controller <b>216</b> can designate the antenna (sector and loop) for the next test, in a predetermined order, whereupon it instructs the test function controller <b>217</b> to set the RF-SWs.

0099On the other hand, at a step <b>630</b>, the access point controller <b>216</b> instructs the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> to stop the packet transmission (packet-transmission stop instruction). At a step <b>631</b>, the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> stops the packet transmission in compliance with the packet-transmission stop instruction. At a step <b>632</b>, the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> sends the access point controller <b>216</b> “TAT-State alteration notification” which contains information indicating the stop of the packet transmission.

0100Subsequently, at a step <b>633</b>, the access point controller <b>216</b> instructs the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> to release the calling connection. At a step <b>634</b>, the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> releases the calling connection in compliance with the calling-connection release instruction. Further, at a step <b>635</b>, the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> sends the access point controller <b>216</b> “TAT-State alteration notification” which contains information indicating the release of the calling connection.

0101At a step <b>636</b>, the access point controller <b>216</b> instructs the test function controller <b>217</b> to turn OFF the power source of the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> (power-source turn-OFF instruction). At a step <b>637</b>, the test function controller <b>217</b> having accepted the power-source turn-OFF instruction turns OFF the power source of the access terminal function portion <b>122</b>.

0102At a step <b>638</b>, the access point controller <b>216</b> reports a test result to the OMC <b>106</b>. The test result can contain, for example, information for identifying the tested antenna (for example, sector and loop), the value of the VSWR stored in the memory, and/or information indicating whether or not the antenna failure has occurred. At a step <b>639</b>, the OMC <b>106</b> receives the test result, displays the received test result on a display unit, and/or stores it in a storage unit, whereupon the test is ended.

0103Although the test of the loop-<b>0</b> antenna <b>201</b> of the sector-<b>1</b> has been described above byway of example, a VSWR test can be executed in the same way as in the foregoing, as to another antenna (for example, the loop-<b>1</b> antenna of the sector-<b>1</b>, or the antenna of another sector). That is, merely the settings of the RF-SWs <b>220</b>-<b>224</b> differ depending upon the antenna to-be-tested, and the operation is the same as in the sequence diagram shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>.

0104<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6 and 7</figref> are explanatory diagrams (<b>1</b>) and (<b>2</b>) of the paths of radio signals in the case of detecting an antenna failure as to the loop-<b>1</b> antenna <b>202</b> of the sector-<b>1</b>, respectively. Here, the test of the loop-<b>1</b> antenna <b>202</b> of the sector-<b>1</b> will be described in conjunction with the sequence diagram shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6 and 7</figref>.

0105First, the test is started in such a way that the instruction of executing the VSWR test (antenna failure test) is inputted from a maintenance operator to the OMC <b>106</b>. Here, the instruction of executing the VSWR test contains, for example, the designation of an access point to-be-tested, and the designation of an antenna to-be-tested (here, the loop-<b>1</b> antenna <b>202</b> of the sector-<b>1</b>). At a step <b>600</b>, as in the above description, the OMC <b>106</b> notifies a test start instruction which contains a test sort (here, the VSWR failure test) and the identification information of the designated antenna (here, the loop-<b>1</b> of the sector-<b>1</b>), to the access point controller <b>216</b> of the designated access point <b>100</b>.

0106At a step <b>601</b>, the access point controller <b>216</b> instructs the test function controller <b>217</b> to set the RF-SWs <b>220</b>-<b>224</b> corresponding to the loop-<b>1</b> antenna <b>202</b> of the sector-<b>1</b>. At a step <b>602</b>, the test function controller <b>217</b> sets the RF-SWs <b>220</b>-<b>224</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, in compliance with the RF-SW setting instruction corresponding to the loop-<b>1</b> antenna <b>202</b> of the sector-<b>1</b>. The RF-SW <b>224</b>, for example, is set so that packets of forward-link direction may be sent to the radio reception part-<b>1</b><b>232</b> corresponding to the loop-<b>1</b> antenna <b>202</b>. Since steps <b>605</b>-<b>620</b> are the same as in the foregoing, they shall be omitted from description.

0107Besides, at a step <b>621</b>, the test function controller <b>217</b> changes-over the RF-SW <b>220</b> corresponding to the loop-<b>1</b> antenna <b>202</b> of the sector-<b>1</b>, in order that a path <b>263</b> in the forward-link direction may pass through the antenna <b>202</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>. Since steps <b>622</b>, et seq. are the same as in the foregoing, they shall be omitted from description.

0108In this manner, the RF-SWs are changed-over in correspondence with the antenna to-be-tested, whereby any antenna in the access point <b>100</b> can be tested. Incidentally, the settings of the RF-SWs as correspond to antennas can be stored in, for example, the memory of the access point controller <b>216</b> or the test function controller <b>217</b> beforehand.

Receiver Failure Detecting Test

0109<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is an explanatory diagram of a sequence in the case of executing a receiver failure detecting test. Besides, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 9 and 10</figref> are explanatory diagrams (<b>1</b>) and (<b>2</b>) of signal paths in the case of executing the receiver failure detecting test as to the radio reception parts-<b>0</b> and <b>1</b> of the sector-<b>1</b>, respectively. Now, the operation of the receiver failure detecting test will be described with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8</figref>, <b>9</b> and <b>10</b>. By the way, in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> and the ensuing description, signals Ack replying to requests shall be omitted because they are ordinarily existent.

0110The test is started, for example, in such a way that the instruction of executing receiver failure detection (a reception sensitivity test) is inputted from a maintenance operator to the OMC <b>106</b>. The instruction of executing the receiver failure detection contains, for example, the designation of a sector and a loop to-be-tested.

0111At a step <b>640</b>, the OMC <b>106</b> notifies a test start instruction which contains a test sort (here, the receiver failure detection) and the identification information items of the designated sector and loop, to the access point controller <b>216</b> of the designated access point <b>100</b>. Incidentally, it is also allowed to omit the designation of the sector and loop to-be-tested and to successively execute tests for all sectors and loops, or predetermined sectors and loops included in the access point <b>100</b>.

0112At a step <b>641</b>, the access point controller <b>216</b> having received the test start instruction whose test sort indicates the receiver failure detection instructs the test function controller <b>217</b> to set the RF-SWs <b>220</b>-<b>224</b> (RF-SW setting instruction). Incidentally, the maintenance operator can designate the sector and loop (loop-<b>0</b> or loop-<b>1</b>) of the receiver to-be-tested, and the access point controller <b>216</b> instructs the test function controller <b>217</b> to set the RF-SWs in correspondence with the designated receiver. By way of example, information items which indicate how to set the respective RF-SWs in correspondence with the identification information items of the sectors and loops, as to the individual receivers, are stored in the memory of the access point controller <b>216</b> beforehand, and the access point controller <b>216</b> can give the instruction of the settings of the respective RF-SWs corresponding to the designated receiver, with reference to the memory.

0113At a step <b>642</b>, the test function controller <b>217</b> sets the RF-SWs <b>220</b>-<b>224</b> in compliance with the RF-SW setting instruction. In a case, for example, where the loop-<b>0</b> of the sector-<b>1</b> is to be tested, the RF-SWs <b>224</b>, <b>223</b> and <b>221</b> are set as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>. Besides, the test function controller <b>217</b> sets the RF-SW <b>221</b> so that signal paths may pass through neither of the antennas <b>201</b> and <b>202</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>. Owing to such settings of the RF-SWs, packets of forward-link direction from the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> are permitted to be received through the path <b>260</b> in the figure, while packets of reverse-link direction are permitted to be transmitted through the path <b>250</b> in the figure.

0114At a step <b>645</b>, the access point controller <b>216</b> instructs the test function controller <b>217</b> to set the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> and to start calling connection (calling-connection start instruction). At a step <b>646</b>, the test function controller <b>217</b> having accepted the calling-connection start instruction turns ON the power source of the access terminal function portion <b>122</b>. At a step <b>647</b>, the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> whose power source has been turned ON dials up, for example, the test server <b>107</b> and establishes a calling connection state in accordance with a predetermined setting. Incidentally, connection destination information items such as the dial number of the test server <b>107</b> are stored in the memory within the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> beforehand.

0115At a step <b>648</b>, the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> sends the access point controller <b>216</b> “TAT-State alteration notification” which contains information indicating the connection of calling. Incidentally, the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> and the access point controller <b>216</b> are capable of transmitting and receiving data therebetween through, for example, the test function controller <b>217</b>.

0116At a step <b>650</b>, the access point controller <b>216</b> instructs the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> to start packet transmission (packet-transmission start instruction). At a step <b>651</b>, the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> having accepted the packet-transmission start instruction executes, for example, ping and starts the packet transmission to the test server <b>107</b>. Incidentally, an appropriate command or application for transmitting packets can be executed other than the ping. The packets transmitted from the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> are transmitted to the test server <b>107</b> through the path <b>260</b>, radio reception part-<b>0</b> (<b>233</b>), line interface <b>214</b>, etc. By the way, the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> continues the packet transmission until a packet-transmission stop instruction is received. At a step <b>652</b>, the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> sends the access point controller <b>216</b> “TAT-State alteration notification” which contains information indicating the start of the packet transmission.

0117Subsequently, at a step <b>653</b>, the access point controller <b>216</b> requests the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> to report the transmission power of this access terminal function portion <b>122</b> (transmission-power report request). At a step <b>654</b>, the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> reports its transmission power to the access point controller <b>216</b> in response to the transmission-power report request. By way of example, the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> reports the average value of transmission power values for a predetermined time period before or after the acceptance of the transmission-power report request. Alternatively, the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> may well report the instantaneous value of the transmission power at the acceptance of the transmission-power report request. The access point controller <b>216</b> stores the reported transmission power value P<b>1</b> in the memory.

0118At a step <b>655</b>, the access point controller <b>216</b> acquires a PER (packet error rate). The PER can be measured as stated below by way of example. The digital signal processing portion <b>213</b> illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, etc. has the function of making a request for re-transmitting packets which cannot be demodulated due to errors, in demodulating a forward link signal which is transmitted from the access terminal function portion <b>122</b>. It is accordingly possible to count the number of the packets for which the re-transmission request was made on account of the errors (hereinbelow, called the “number of error packets”), and the number of packets which were normally received, among the packets of the forward link signal as were received by the digital signal processing portion <b>213</b>. The digital signal processing portion <b>213</b> counts the number of error packets and the number of normally received packets in advance, and it calculates the PER in conformity with the following equation: PER [%]=(Number of error packets)/(Total number of received packets) Incidentally, the “total number of received packets” signifies the total of the number of error packets and the number of normally received packets.

0119By way of example, the access point controller <b>216</b> requests the digital signal processing portion <b>213</b> to report the value of the PER, whereby it can acquire the PER transmitted in response to the request by the digital signal processing portion <b>213</b>. Incidentally, the access point controller <b>216</b> may well acquire the number of error packets and the number of normally received packets (or the total number of received packets) from the digital signal processing portion <b>213</b> so as to calculate the PER in conformity with the above formula. Besides, the access point controller <b>216</b> stores the acquired PER in the memory.

0120At a step <b>656</b>, the access point controller <b>216</b> instructs the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> to alter the transmission power in accordance with the PER (transmission-power alteration instruction). By way of example, in a case where the measured PER is lower than a prescribed threshold value, the instruction of lowering the transmission power is given, and conversely, in a case where the PER is higher than the prescribed threshold value, the instruction of raising the transmission power is given.

0121At a step <b>657</b>, the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> alters the transmission power in compliance with the instruction from the access point controller <b>216</b>. Subsequently, at a step <b>658</b>, the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> reports the altered transmission power to the access point controller <b>216</b>. At a step <b>660</b>, the access point controller <b>216</b> acquires a PER again and stores the acquired PER in the memory. The measurement of the PER is the same as in the foregoing.

0122At a step <b>690</b>, the access point controller <b>216</b> judges if the PER falls within the prescribed range of threshold values. In a case where the PER falls within the prescribed range of threshold values, the access point controller <b>216</b> shifts to the process of a step <b>661</b>. On the other hand, in a case where the measured PER does not fall within the prescribed range of threshold values, the access point controller <b>216</b> returns to the step <b>656</b>, it iterates the processes of the steps <b>656</b>-<b>660</b> and <b>690</b>, and it adjusts the transmission power of the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> so that the PER may fall within the prescribed range of threshold values.

0123At the step <b>661</b>, the access point controller <b>216</b> calculates a reception sensitivity from the reported value of the transmission power of the access terminal function portion <b>122</b>, and the value of the loss of the signal path <b>260</b> or a signal path <b>262</b> extending from the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> to the radio reception part-<b>0</b> (<b>233</b>) or radio reception part-<b>1</b> (<b>232</b>). By way of example, the access point controller <b>216</b> reads out the reported transmission power value of the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> and the path loss value with reference to the memory of the test function controller <b>217</b>, and it calculates the reception sensitivity in conformity with the following equation: <br />Reception sensitivity=(Transmission power value of Access terminal function portion)−(Path loss value)

0124That transmission power of the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> which is employed here is the transmission power as to which the PER has fallen within the prescribed range of threshold values by iterating the processes of the above steps <b>653</b>-<b>660</b>, and it has been stored in the memory at, for example, the step <b>660</b>. Besides, the value of the path loss can be fixed to a value which is capable of attenuating the transmission power of the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> down to a reception sensitivity point. That is, the path loss value is a value which was fixedly set at the design of the apparatus. Since, however, a manufactural dispersion is involved in the path loss value, the value of the loss can be measured at the manufacture of the apparatus so as to store the measured value in the memory of the test function controller <b>217</b>. Here, the “reception sensitivity point” indicates that power value of the reception power of the access point <b>100</b> below which the reception becomes impossible.

0125Besides, the access point controller <b>216</b> stores the calculated reception sensitivity in the memory. Also, the access point controller <b>216</b> can judge whether or not the receiver failure has occurred, on the basis of the reception sensitivity, for example, depending upon whether or not it is larger than a predetermined threshold value, or upon whether it falls within or out of a predetermined range. The result of the judgment may be stored in the memory.

0126At a step <b>662</b>, the access point controller <b>216</b> instructs the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> to stop the packet transmission (packet-transmission stop instruction). At a step <b>663</b>, the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> stops the packet transmission in compliance with the packet-transmission stop instruction. At a step <b>664</b>, the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> sends the access point controller <b>216</b> “TAT-State alteration notification” which contains information indicating the stop of the packet transmission.

0127Subsequently, at a step <b>665</b>, the access point controller <b>216</b> instructs the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> to release the calling connection (calling-connection release instruction). At a step <b>666</b>, the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> releases the calling connection in compliance with the calling-connection release instruction. Further, at a step <b>667</b>, the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> sends the access point controller <b>216</b> “TAT-State alteration notification” which contains information indicating the release of the calling connection.

0128At a step <b>668</b>, the access point controller <b>216</b> instructs the test function controller <b>217</b> to turn OFF the power source of the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> (power-source turn-OFF instruction). At a step <b>669</b>, the test function controller <b>217</b> having accepted the power-source turn-OFF instruction turns OFF the power source of the access terminal function portion <b>122</b>.

0129At a step <b>670</b>, the access point controller <b>216</b> reports a test result to the OMC <b>106</b>. The test result can contain, for example, information for identifying the tested receiver (for example, sector and loop), the reception sensitivity stored in the memory, and/or information indicating whether or not the receiver failure has occurred. At a step <b>671</b>, the OMC <b>106</b> receives the test result, displays the received test result on a display unit, and/or stores it in a storage unit, whereupon the test is ended.

0130Although the loop-<b>0</b> of the sector-<b>1</b> has been referred to above, a receiver failure test can be similarly executed as to the other loop or the other sector. That is, merely the settings of the RF-SWs <b>220</b>-<b>224</b> differ depending upon the antenna to-be-tested, and the operation is the same as in the sequence diagram shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>. In a case, for example, where the loop-<b>1</b> of the sector-<b>1</b> is to be tested, the RF-SWs (<b>221</b>-<b>224</b>) are set as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>.

0000(Transmitter Failure Detecting Test)

0131<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is an explanatory diagram of a sequence in the case of executing a transmitter failure detecting test. Besides, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> is an explanatory diagram of a signal path in the case of executing the transmitter failure detecting test as to the radio transmission part <b>234</b> of the sector-<b>1</b>. Now, the operation of the transmitter failure detecting test will be described with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 11 and 12</figref>. By the way, in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> and the ensuing description, signals Ack replying to requests shall be omitted because they are ordinarily existent.

0132The test is started, for example, in such a way that the instruction of executing transmitter failure detection (a transmission power test) is inputted from a maintenance operator to the OMC <b>106</b>. The instruction of executing the transmitter failure detection contains, for example, the designation of an access point to-be-tested and the designation of a sector to-be-tested.

0133At a step <b>680</b>, the OMC <b>106</b> notifies a test start instruction which contains a test sort (here, the transmitter failure detection) and the identification information of the designated sector, to the access point controller <b>216</b> of the designated access point <b>100</b>. Incidentally, it is also allowed to omit the designation of the sector to-be-tested and to successively execute tests for all sectors or predetermined sectors included in the access point <b>100</b>.

0134At a step <b>681</b>, the access point controller <b>216</b> having received the test start instruction whose test sort indicates the transmitter failure detection instructs the test function controller <b>217</b> to set the RF-SWs <b>220</b>-<b>224</b> (RF-SW setting instruction). Incidentally, the maintenance operator can designate the sector of the transmitter to-be-tested, and the access point controller <b>216</b> instructs the test function controller <b>217</b> to set the RF-SWs in correspondence with the designated transmitter. By way of example, information items which indicate how to set the respective RF-SWs in correspondence with the identification information items of the sectors, as to the individual transmitters, are stored in the memory of the access point controller <b>216</b> beforehand, and the access point controller <b>216</b> can give the instruction of the settings of the respective RF-SWs corresponding to the designated transmitter, with reference to the memory. By the way, the correspondence information items can be created in a format which is common to that of the information items for use in the antenna failure test or the receiver failure detecting test described before.

0135At a step <b>682</b>, the test function controller <b>217</b> sets the RF-SWs <b>220</b>-<b>224</b> in compliance with the RF-SW setting instruction. In a case, for example, where the sector-<b>1</b> is to be tested, the RF-SWs <b>221</b> and <b>223</b> are set as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>. Owing to such settings of the RF-SWs, packets of reverse-link direction are permitted to be transmitted and received through the path <b>250</b> in the figure. Subsequently, at a step <b>683</b>, the test function controller <b>217</b> turns ON the power source of the access terminal function portion <b>122</b>.

0136Besides, at a step <b>685</b>, the access point controller <b>216</b> requests the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> to report the reception power of this access terminal function portion <b>122</b> (reception-power report request). At a step <b>686</b>, the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> reports its reception power to the access point controller <b>216</b> in response to the reception-power report request. Byway of example, the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> reports the average value of reception power values for a predetermined time period before or after the acceptance of the reception-power report request. Alternatively, the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> may well report the instantaneous value of the reception power at the acceptance of the reception-power report request. The access point controller <b>216</b> stores the reported reception power value in the memory.

0137At a step <b>687</b>, the access point controller <b>216</b> reads out of the memory the value of the reception power of the access terminal function portion <b>122</b>, and the value of the path loss of the signal path <b>250</b> extending between the radio transmission part <b>234</b> and the access terminal function portion <b>122</b>, and it calculates the transmission power value of the radio transmission part <b>234</b> in conformity with the following equation: <br />Transmission power value of Access point=(Reception power value of Access terminal function portion)+(Path loss value)<br /> Here, the value of the path loss is the same as in the foregoing case of the receiver failure detection. Besides, the access point controller <b>216</b> stores the calculated transmission power value in the memory. Also, the access point-controller <b>216</b> can judge whether or not the transmitter failure has occurred, on the basis of the calculated transmission power value, for example, depending upon whether or not it is larger than a predetermined threshold value, or upon whether it falls within or out of a predetermined range. The result of the judgment may be stored in the memory.

0138At a step <b>690</b>, the access point controller <b>216</b> instructs the test function controller <b>217</b> to turn OFF the power source of the access terminal function portion <b>122</b> (power-source turn-OFF instruction). At a step <b>691</b>, the test function controller <b>217</b> having accepted the power-source turn-OFF instruction turns OFF the power source of the access terminal function portion <b>122</b>.

0139At a step <b>692</b>, the access point controller <b>216</b> reports a test result to the OMC <b>106</b>. The test result can contain, for example, information for identifying the tested transmitter (for example, sector and identification information), the transmission power value stored in the memory, and/or information indicating whether or not the transmitter failure has occurred. At a step <b>693</b>, the OMC <b>106</b> receives the test result, displays the received test result on a display unit, and/or stores it in a storage unit, whereupon the test is ended.

0140Incidentally, regarding the other sectors, the RF-SWs <b>222</b>-<b>224</b> are appropriately changed-over, and transmitter failure tests can be executed similarly to the above.

0141According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a radio access point testing method and apparatus which permit the normality verification and radio characteristics test of a radio communication system even during the operation of the system. Besides, according to the invention, it is possible to provide a radio access point testing method and apparatus which can comprehensively test various failures. According to the invention, it is possible to execute a test without interrupting an offered communication service. Further, according to the invention, it is possible to provide a method and an apparatus which can execute a test in a desired access point and sector on-line.